In 2020 the Attorney General authorised the release of former Navy Commander and Chief of Defence Staff Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who had been accused of providing security to Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hetti Arachchi—a suspect who was evading court proceedings in connection with the abduction and disappearance of 11 people, including youths—and of facilitating his escape from the country. In 2021, charges against the admiral were dropped and he was appointed governor of the North Western Province.
Wijegunaratne was implicated in shielding Naval Intelligence officer Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi (alias Navy Sampath), a principal suspect in the abduction and murder of 11 young men for ransom. Wijegunaratne was arrested and remanded in November 2018 on charges related to covering up the crimes, and was released on bail in December 2018. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) alleged that he provided financial assistance to help the suspect flee the country and attempted to influence the investigation.
Attorney Achala Seneviratne, appearing on behalf of the aggrieved parties, submitted complaints to the Attorney General, the CID, and the Bribery Commission regarding the release of the second suspect. She stated that Admiral Wijegunaratne had been released despite serious allegations that he aided and abetted Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi in evading arrest and fleeing the country.
Following a lengthy hearing on an application filed by the aggrieved parties before the Hon. Magistrate’s Court challenging the former magistrate’s order granting the release, the court determined that the order was flawed. Consequently, Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara directed the Criminal Investigation Department to re‑indict Ravindra Wijegunaratne as an accused and to file the relevant charge sheets and complaints.
In delivering the decision at length in open court, the Magistrate also emphasised the Attorney General’s duty to intervene to ensure that justice is served.